Value punctuality

Here in Southern California, it seems like nobody ever arrives on time. I've witnessed several organizations move their starting time back to accommodate latecomers. This starts a cycle where the tardy adjust to the new time, and then arrive late still. After a few time changes, the organizer will generally stick with an announced begin time, and then start it later. It sort of helps, because it doesn't inconvenience those who arrive on time too much, while providing less embarrassment for the latecomers. But the stragglers still arrive late, knowing "they never start on time."

In Southern California, this is probably because we live in our cars, so we're always underestimating the time it takes to get to the location. It could also be we don't have a defined social contract anymore, so some people value punctuality while others view meeting times informally.

Why should I be punctual?

There doesn't appear to be any rules about what merits a firm arrival time. Wedding invitations usually have a "ceremony begins at" time, suggesting you arrive before the time, but some weddings start at the time, and others start later. Some churches start on time, and others start later. Even in the business world, meeting times aren't always firm.

Avoid all of the awkwardness, and simply arrive on time.

Being punctual announces to your friends and family that you are reliable. Everybody knows "that guy" who is always late. He seems to rush from one place to another, being perpetually late. It could just be that he's a "yes man" and agrees to be everywhere at once, but it comes across as being disrespectful of others' time.

Being punctual at work signals professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail. Everyone should know to be on time for a job interview, but after you're hired you should still always be on time. Employers don't appreciate employees who are always coming in late.

Leave five minutes earlier than you think you should. Are five more minutes at home really more important to you than the time of your appointment?

Every day, I see the same guy in the same truck driving like a crazy person on his way to work. His reckless speeding and weaving through traffic are dangerous, and they would literally only save him seconds on his commute. If he would only leave five minutes earlier, he wouldn't have to speed through a school zone, and stress himself out trying to get to work.

There are things you simply can't foresee, like a long traffic light, or getting stuck behind an old woman in her wheelchair. By planning ahead, you can avoid tardiness by giving yourself a buffer of a few minutes. It takes me ten minutes to drive to work, so I give myself at least fifteen minutes. If I'm early, I can always listen to the news for a few minutes, or clean up my desk a bit.

For social gatherings, it's hardly ever considered impolite to arrive early - as long as you're not too early. Five to twenty minutes early isn't a big deal.

Punctuality is a virtue

If there is one maxim that is true for wealthy individuals, it is that time is money. Their most important asset is money. This is why they will spend more to avoid waiting. Private jets, personal physicians and chefs, the fastest internet connection, and couriers. But more than just money, time is respect.

If there is one thing I know about relationships, it is the fact that time is important. It's important in developing attachment, connections, and long-term relationships. Punctuality supports this by reinforcing respect and trust in the relationship. You respect their time when you arrive when you say you will. They can trust you to be there for them when you promise you will be there.

The most important reason for valuing punctuality: being punctual means you are a man/woman of your word.

You don't want to give the impression that you only care about yourself, and you don't want to be untrustworthy. You want to be responsible, reliable, and honest.

Demand punctuality

I think a lot of people are perpetually late because there have not been any demands placed on them. We accommodate them and enable their tardiness when we aren't prompt with our schedules.

If you're in charge of an event, make sure everyone knows when it will begin. If you are planning a time for mingling before you get going, put on the invite the arrive time and the begin time. This will let people know when they are expected to arrive, and gives them a definite time they will definitely be late.

Start on time. Don't tell yourself, "More people are coming, just a few more minutes." When you do that, you're making everyone wait for a few people, and you're telling everyone that their time isn't as important as the stragglers. It also tells the tardy that their punctuality is not mandatory, because "they always start late."

The benefits of punctuality

You will be more relaxed. Instead of having to rush places, you can travel at a more comfortable pace. You won't have to run to the time-clock at work. No more squeezing through aisles at church in the middle of the service. No more tardies at school. More invites to parties with the expectation you'll be there.

Don't be the person everyone has to wait for.